Over the past three days, more than 50 people have died in India due to a severe heatwave affecting parts of the country. In the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, around 33 people succumbed to the heat over the weekend. These victims included election-related workers, such as polling officials, security personnel, and sanitation staff, as Saturday marked the final phase of voting. In Odisha, officials reported that approximately 20 people died from heat stroke.
India conducts its general election every five years during April and May. This year, however, the temperatures have been record-breaking, with more frequent, intense, and prolonged heatwaves. The federal health ministry reported at least 56 confirmed heat stroke deaths between March 1 and May 30, with about 24,849 cases reported during this period. Yet, state-specific figures suggest the actual death toll could be higher. In Odisha, district authorities recorded 99 suspected heat stroke deaths in the last 72 hours, with 20 confirmed cases, according to the state’s Special Relief Commissioner.
In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa announced that families of deceased election workers would receive monetary compensation of 1.5 million rupees ($18,000; £14,000). Rinwa also mentioned that a voter fainted from the heat while waiting in line and was declared dead upon arrival at a health facility. Suspected heat-related deaths have also been reported in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
The National Centre for Disease Control in India describes heat strokes as “life-threatening,” with a mortality rate of 40-64%. Northern, central, and western parts of India have faced relentless heat for the past two weeks, with temperatures consistently around 45-46°C and even reaching 50°C in some areas. However, the weather department forecasts a drop in temperatures due to the approaching monsoon.
Additionally, several regions are facing severe water and electricity shortages due to increased power consumption. Videos from Delhi show people struggling to get water from tankers, and many areas in the capital are experiencing frequent power outages.
